Recreational Vehicles
Boats, ATVs, off-road utility vehicles, off-road motorcycles, and snowmobiles are registered and titled in the Recorder’s Office in the county in which you reside.
Registration Instructions
- Click on the appropriate Bill of Sale and Application Links below.
- Print out both the Bill of Sale and Application forms after clicking on the appropriate links below.
- Fill out both forms.
- Bring them into the Recorder's Office with any other required paperwork.
- Pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Note that there are additional fees for using a debit or credit card.
Boat Registration Required Paperwork
The Lucas County Recorder has the responsibility of registering and titling vessels of Lucas County residents and non-residents if the vessel is principally used in Lucas County.
Boat registrations expire on April 30, every three years (starting in 2007). Boat fees are based on the length of the boat. All boats 17 feet and longer require a title (except canoes and kayaks).
Items needed when transferring or registering a boat
- Title, if it has one. (signature of the seller is required on the backside of the title)
- Most recent registration, if the boat is untitled (signature of the seller is required on the backside of registration)
- Proof sales tax has been paid, if applicable
- Bill of Sale
- Application
ORV, ORM & Snowmobile Registration
Items needed when transferring an ORV, ORM & Snowmobile
- Title (signature of seller required on the backside of title)
- Proof sales tax has been paid, if applicable
- Bill of Sale
- Application
The Lucas County Recorder has the responsibility of registering and titling off road u= vehicles(ORV), off road motorcycles (ORM) and snowmobiles of Lucas County residents. The registrations expire on December 31 of each year. Titles are required on all OHV’s registered since January 2000 and on all snowmobiles registered since January 1998.
State Sales Tax Information
- Sales of boats, other watercraft, and off-road vehicles in Iowa are subject to the state sales tax of 6 percent plus local option taxes if any. This applies to sales by Individuals, as well as, dealers.
- Anyone purchasing a boat from an individual should obtain a receipt or bill of sale that shows the cost of the boat. The buyer will then pay the sales tax on the cost of the boat to the County Recorder.
- If a trailer is purchased with the boat, the 5% motor vehicle use tax is paid to the County Treasurer.
